{"id":40436,"date":"2026-07-31T14:23:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T14:23:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/?p=40436"},"modified":"2026-07-31T14:23:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T14:23:06","slug":"double-fine-reduces-workforce-by-25-following-independence-from-xbox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/?p=40436","title":{"rendered":"Double Fine Reduces Workforce by 25% Following Independence from Xbox"},"content":{"rendered":"
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**Double Fine Productions Announces Layoffs Amidst Transition to Independence**<\/p>\n

In a recent development, Double Fine Productions has announced the layoff of 23 employees from its team. This decision follows the studio’s recent departure from Xbox, returning to its independent status. The layoffs occur as part of the studio’s efforts to recalibrate its workforce to ensure sustainability in its operations as a newly independent entity.<\/p>\n

Studio head Tim Schafer released a statement addressing the layoffs, emphasizing the difficulty of the decision. “As a small, tightly-knit team, these actions are not taken lightly. Only the survival of our studio would ever make us consider such a painful action,” he stated. He acknowledged the contributions of those affected, noting, “The people we are losing were all important. They all made an impact on our games and culture, and they will be missed.”<\/p>\n

The layoffs represent approximately 25% of Double Fine’s workforce, which was estimated to be around 90 staff members prior to the cuts. Many of the individuals affected had been with the studio for several years, highlighting the depth of experience lost during this transition.<\/p>\n

Double Fine’s statement concluded with a commitment to support the affected employees as best as possible, expressing gratitude for their work and contributions. In a separate comment, a representative from Xbox distanced the organization from the layoffs, noting, “Double Fine fully returned to independent management earlier this week, with their IP, catalog, and runway for their next games.” They expressed optimism for the studio’s future as it embarks on this new chapter independently.<\/p>\n

The news has prompted a wave of support for the laid-off employees within the gaming community, with many expressing solidarity and acknowledging the impact of these decisions on both the individuals and the creative culture at Double Fine. As the studio moves forward, it faces the challenge of rebuilding while fostering its creative legacy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\nIt’s another one of those days, as Double Fine have announced that they are laying off 23 members of staff. This comes weeks after their split from Xbox that left them independent once more<\/a>, which also saw South of Midnight<\/a> developers Compulsion go indie, and State of Decay<\/a> studio Undead Labs and Senua’s Ninja Theory acquired by new, as of yet to be confirmed owners.\n<\/p>\n

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